FBI arrests coach Sean Gardner over child pornography charges

In Iowa City, Iowa, the gymnastics community has been rocked by the arrest of Sean Gardner, a coach with a troubled past. The FBI apprehended him over three years after he was suspended from his coaching position at Chow's Gymnastics in West Des Moines, following allegations of sexual abuse against young female gymnasts. Gardner has been accused of abusing minors at both Chow's and his previous employment at Jump’In Gymnastics in Mississippi, where he reportedly engaged in inappropriate behavior and secretly filmed young girls without their knowledge. The case has drawn renewed attention to the failings of organizations tasked with safeguarding athletes, as Gardner had previously worked at an academy known for training Olympic champions. The allegations first came to light in March 2022, when a gymnast reported that Gardner had used inappropriate spotting techniques involving unwanted physical contact. This allegation prompted a subsequent investigation by SafeSport, which led to his suspension but did not immediately prompt criminal action. Despite the serious nature of the charges against him, Gardner managed to secure a job as a surgical technologist in 2024. This employment opportunity arose two years after abuse allegations were initially reported to SafeSport and law enforcement. The FBI's involvement in the case began with a warrant executed in May that uncovered a significant collection of illicit photographs and videos on his devices. The material reportedly featured images of minors in compromising situations, originating from hidden cameras placed in bathrooms at his previous workplace. The timeline of these events highlights significant gaps in the investigation process. Law enforcement had suspended its initial inquiry, even while Gardner faced additional legal troubles, including probation for a DUI offense. Questions remain concerning how SafeSport and local authorities handled the reports of abuse and the systemic issues that allowed Gardner to continue his career in various roles related to youth sports. As public scrutiny continues to grow around safe practices in sports, this case underscores the urgent need for thorough investigations and consistent accountability to protect young athletes from potential predators.